Help Heather Overcome Cancer and Financial Strain

Difficult news is never good, but difficult news during the holiday is the worst. Our family received news that Heather, a loving mother and wife, a friend fast to support those in need, was diagnosed in August with Stage 1 breast cancer (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma) with complications of both progesterone and estrogen receptors. By grace she was able to get surgery done in September, but through discussions with her oncologist and gynecologist on the concerns of the double receptors it was recommended to have a complete hysterectomy done over chemically forcing Heather into menopause via injections and medication over the next 5 years. An already tightly-budgeted financial situation (single income) has become untenable, as the breast surgery alone sapped the family savings and HSA and now the pending hysterectomy will add more to the enormous medical bills the family is facing. The OT rehabilitation therapy and radiation treatment in October and November following the breast surgery has made it difficult for Heather to work any part-time or contract work to add to the family income as she had before October, and bills are being paid based on the priority of need: medical, household/utilities, and sundries or groceries. Medical coverage from Jason's employer is covering as much as it can, but Heather's care will continue into next year after all deductibles and out-of-pocket reset. And as everyone can attest U.S. insurance does not make a large enough contribution upfront or until you meet an already exorbitant out-of-pocket to justify paying out for life-saving procedures, not to mention the rejections and counters to services deemed necessary by the physicians. Heather asks for this help to get out from under the overwhelming burden of this distressing and disheartening disease, so that she can move forward as a survivor and enjoy a long life watching her family grow and thrive. Funds will be used to cover the deductibles and out-of-pocket bills we are facing into 2025.